Hardeeville City Attorney David Tedder resigned after 14 years with the city.

Tom Johnson from the Law Office of Darrell Thomas Johnson, Jr., has been hired as interim until City Council appoints a new attorney.

“We appreciate the time David spent with the city and he did a good job, but it was time to move forward,” Councilman Sal Arzillo said. “There was some animosity between the mayor and the city attorney so it was time part ways. We welcome Tom Johnson, who has more than 10 years with the city as a local and county attorney. He is well respected among city government and we’re happy he is on board. But we wish David well.”

Mayor Bronco Bostick and Tedder did not respond to messages seeking comment about the resignation.

Tedder of David L. Tedder P.A. in Beaufort served as the city’s attorney since 1999. His duties included advising the City Council and staff and representing the city should any legal action be required. He served four years as an assistant city attorney for Beaufort. His private practice concentrates on governmental matters.

City Manager Bob Nanni said City Council voted during executive session on May 24 about the resignation since it is a council-appointed position which held no contract.

Mayor Pro Tem Michael Sweeney said he was taken by surprise by Tedder’s resignation.

“I was very surprised the council was considering David’s resignation, it was something I didn’t expect,” Sweeney said. “It was passed by majority that Tom Johnson will be his replacement. I hope we move forward and get rid of the contention that was there. It will be interesting to see how things go.”

Johnson is a well-known figure in Jasper County. He served as the county attorney, as an attorney in Hardeeville and worked in the solicitor’s office. He served as Hardeeville’s city attorney for 10 years before being appointed as Jasper County attorney for about 15 years. He received his degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law. He is on the Jasper County Council.

“I look forward to serving the legal needs of the town in whatever they need,” Johnson said. “David is a good guy and lawyer. I hope to make it a seamless transition.”

Johnson said his position as a county councilman will not hinder his role as interim city attorney.

“Any lawyer that has two clients could potentially have a conflict,” Johnson said. “I’m not aware of any in the court arena or civil justice between the city and county. Therefore, I don’t see any conflict with my positions. The biggest challenge is knowing when to keep quiet. It’s not a lawyer’s job to determine what is wise or good, it’s his job to keep out of legal trouble. Sometimes the politics and lawyer issues are not black and white.”